Bahrain has launched a new taxi service using London style taxi cabs imported from the United Kingdom-based LTI Company. The newly set up taxi company, the Arabian Taxi Company (ATC), will launch its services with a brand new, purpose-built, 200 strong fleet.

Established in a joint initiative by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), ATC aims to offer the premier taxi service in the Kingdom.

Passengers will be able to hail the distinctively marked cabs in the street, order through a call centre, or pick up at the airport or stations around Bahrain. Every car is equipped with a 13 inch LCD TV screen, and wheel chair access. Fares can be paid by cash or by credit card through a secure link.

ATC is 80% owned by orphans of former taxi drivers while BDB retains a 20% share. It is expected that ATC will play a vital role through increased competitiveness and encourage other taxi licensees to establish their own taxi companies. Any twenty license owners may establish their own company if they choose to do so.

Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB said: "Bahrain’s transport infrastructure is the best in the Middle East. The new taxi service will develop this further, as well as provide added convenience for Bahrainis and the foreign nationals who visit or work here. The transport sector is an important part of our economy and this new initiative will help secure 700 new jobs for Bahrainis”.

Nedhal Saleh Al Aujan, Chairman of Arabian Taxi Company and CEO of BDB, said: "By investing in this new company, we are demonstrating our commitment to improving the lives of Bahrainis. We know we cannot drive the economy forward without paying special attention to developing its workforce. As a development bank, our main role is adding value to the economy. We believe building a sustainable economy depends on increasing productivity in all sectors in a way that suits the skills and abilities of everyone”.